No patient turned away
We serve regardless of ability to pay
About Transitions LifeCare | Serving NC since 1979
Care rooted in community, built on trust
At Transitions LifeCare, compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do. For over 45 years, we’ve supported individuals and families with dignity, comfort, and trusted expertise.
At A Glance
45 +
years serving compassionate care
11
North Carolina counties served
24/7
Support always available
NC # 1
Largest palliative care provider in NC
Five Stars. One Mission.
Medicare’s highest five-star quality rating for hospice care
From Small Beginnings
From one staff member & 20 volunteers to a full circle of care
Founded as Hospice of Wake County
Serving patients and families since 1979
Who We Are
Our philosophy, mission & vision
Our Philosophy
Every individual deserves the quality of life they want when facing serious illness or near life’s end.
Our Mission
To care for individuals and families with compassion, support, and expertise as they navigate the end of life or life-changing illness.
Our Vision
The right care at the right time, providing the best possible experience for patients and families in our community facing end of life or life-limiting illness.
Our core values
These four values guide every visit, every decision, and every interaction made on behalf of the people we serve.
Where We Serve
11-county direct care area,
with telehealth beyond
We provide home visits and direct care throughout these counties in central North Carolina. Families outside this area may still access palliative and bereavement support remotely.
Chatham
Durham
Franklin
Granville
Harnett
Johnston
Nash
Orange
Wake
Wilson
Lee ¤ New 2026
Service Area Map
Help Ensure No One Faces Serious Illness Alone
Sustain the Impact
Help us to sustain the impact. Your financial commitment will ensure that we keep our promise that no one will ever be turned away due to financial status. Throughout our service area, an average of 8% of patients are underserved and indigent, which includes adults and children – four times the national average. Your gift allows them to face end of life in a dignified way and in a place they call home. In addition, your support provides free grief counseling services through the Kit Boney Grief Center, providing hope and healing to everyone in the community.
Donate Today
Our Story
45 years of pioneering care
From a single-staff nonprofit in 1979 to North Carolina’s largest palliative care provider — a story of steady, purposeful growth rooted in community.
Transitions Opens as Hospice of Wake County
1979
1979
Hospice of Wake County is formed as a non-profit organization, with one staff member and 20 volunteers. The first patient admitted is a young child with leukemia, and five more patients are served that year.
The first Board of Directors of Hospice of Wake County includes Dr. Billy Dunlap (hematologist and oncologist in Raleigh), Kathleen Townsend (primary-care nurse at Rex Hospital), and Derenda James (nurse at WakeMed).
Hospice of Wake County Institutes Oktoberfest Fundraiser
1980s - 1990s
1980s - 1990s
Hospice of Wake County (HOWC) institutes a popular fundraiser – Oktoberfest – held for 17 years in Cameron Village and for three years in North Hills.
HOWC receives Medicare.
Palliative Care Division is Launched
2000s
2000s
We launch our Palliative Care program, the first of its kind in North Carolina.
Marketing begins on our capital campaign’s private phase.
North Carolina’s Council of State awards 8.7 acres of land for the area’s first free-standing hospice facility to be built off Trinity Road in Cary.
Hospice of Wake County Campus Opens
2000 - 2012
2000 - 2014
Hospice of Wake County opens the area’s first free-standing hospice facility. In 2011, the campus is dedicated as the Reid S. Towler Campus, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Towler and his $1 million gift in 2010.
Hospice of Wake County and Hospice of Harnett County merge to enhance access to non-profit hospice care.
A New Name & Stronger Partnership
2013
2013
In 2013, the Board of Directors approves a name change to Transitions LifeCare to reflect our offerings of more than “hospice” care and service to patients well beyond “Wake County.”
Guiding Lights and Transitions LifeCare form a partnership to improve efficiencies of both organizations.
Transitions Kids is Introduced
2015
2015
Transitions LifeCare introduces Transitions Kids, expanding its services to support children from perinatal stages through age 18 with serious illness. The program offers pediatric hospice and palliative care, along with care coordination, family guidance, and compassionate support designed to meet the unique needs of both children and their loved ones.
Hospice Home Additions & Recognition
2016 - 2020
2016 - 2020
A $6 million campaign is completed, allowing for the construction of ten additional rooms in the Hospice Home.
Transitions HospiceCare is named a Hospice Honors recipient in 2017 and 2020 and a Hospice Honors elite recipient in 2018 and 2019.
Transitions PalliativeCare becomes largest provider of palliative care services in North Carolina.
Named TBJ’s Best Places to Work 2019 and 2020.
Transitions LifeCare Named Raleigh's Best
2021
2021
2021 Raleigh’s Best (N&O)
We are the BEST! Now, it’s not our norm to brag, this is coming straight from News & Observer readers! In all the categories, there were 50,000 votes! Within the “hospice” category, Transitions was named the BEST!
Earns NHPCO’s Quality Connections “Education” and “Application” rings.
Transitions LifeCare Named Raleigh's Best 4 Years in a Row & Welcomes New CEO
2022 - 2024
2022 - 2024
Raleigh’s Best
We are the BEST in the “hospice” category three years in a row – 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
2024
Dr. Adam Wolk is hired as CEO.
Transitions LifeCare Service Area Expands into Nash & Wilson counties
2025
2025
The Board of Directors approves a service area expansion into Nash and Wilson counties.
Raleigh’s Best
We are the BEST in the “hospice” category five years in a row – 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Service Area Expansion & Medicare's 5-Star Quality Rating
2026
2026
The Board of Directors approves a service area expansion into Lee County.
Transitions LifeCare receives Medicare’s highest possible Five-Star Quality Rating for hospice care.
Transitions LifeCare Team
Adam Wolk
Adam Wolk, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Adam Wolk brings over a decade of robust leadership experience across health plans, academic, and nonprofit settings. Since 2014, he has worked at Alignment Health, one of our Medicare Advantage partners with our palliative care program, most recently as Regional Chief Medical Officer. Beyond his role at Alignment Health, Dr. Wolk has been a dedicated member of Transitions LifeCare’s board of directors for six years, serving as board president for the last year.
Dr. Wolk’s extensive leadership experience and deep commitment to our nonprofit mission will enable him to guide our organization into its next phase of growth. He will continue to build on our strong foundation of compassionate care for patients, families, and communities. While serving on the board, he has grown closer to the mission and has been inspired by the team’s commitment to dignified, person-centered care.
Dr. Wolk earned his medical degree from the University of California, Davis and completed his residency in internal medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Additionally, he is working towards a Doctor of Public Health Leadership from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Christine Casey
Christine H. Casey, MSG, MBA, CFRE
Vice President of Philanthropy
Christine joined Transitions LifeCare in 2016 to help implement the new 1979 Circle and Grateful Family campaigns, implement and manage the donor database, and to build a comprehensive Annual Giving program. Promoted to Vice President of Philanthropy in 2021, Christine is responsible for overseeing a comprehensive philanthropy strategy to provide funding for the Indigent Care, Bereavement, and Transitions Kids programs, in addition to building the organization’s endowment. Prior to joining Transitions LifeCare, Christine worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations, both local and national, including American University’s Washington College of Law, Washington National Cathedral, American Red Cross, and Make-A-Wish Eastern NC Chapter.
Christine earned a master’s degree in Gerontology from UNC Greensboro, MBA from Averett University, bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington, the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential, and Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Program certificate. She has been an active member and past board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Triangle Chapter since 2009 and has been a workshop speaker and trainer at AFP conferences and workshops as well as a mentor to other fundraising professionals.
Rachel Lipner
Rachel Lipner, DO, HMDC, FAAHPM
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Rachel Lipner was appointed Chief Medical Officer in April 2024. Dr. Lipner has been with Transitions LifeCare since 2016, providing clinical care in both hospice and palliative medicine and has taken on progressive leadership roles since 2018, including most recently as the Executive Medical Director. Dr. Lipner is Hospice Medical Director Certified (HMDC), and in 2023 received the prestigious honor of being recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM), which is one the highest honors the Academy can bestow on an AAHPM member and is achieved by members whose professional activity is devoted to the practice of hospice and palliative medicine.
In the Chief Medical Officer role, Dr. Lipner is responsible for strategic and leadership direction to the medical staff, including supervision of the physicians and advanced practice providers. She is also responsible for the maintenance of appropriate medical policies and standards to meet agency, state, federal and accreditation requirements. This role functions as the senior medical liaison of Transitions LifeCare within the medical community and community at large, building effective relationships with referring physicians and healthcare systems.
Dr. Lipner earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network and fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine with the UNC School of Medicine. Her passion is direct patient care, as well as teaching and empowering all healthcare professionals to utilize communication skills to better care for seriously ill patients and their families. When not busy at work, she loves calling Raleigh home with her husband Nathan, two sons Noah and Adam, and objectively cute dog, Macho.
Mary Lucas
Mary Lucas, MSHCM
Vice President of Strategy and Growth
Mary earned a master’s degree in health care management from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Following progressive roles in sales, marketing, and health care public policy, Mary joined Transitions LifeCare in 2019 initially serving as the director of business development. Promoted to vice president of strategy and growth in 2021, she is responsible for developing, monitoring, and communicating business strategy and strategic priorities. She is also responsible for pursuing new partnerships, contracts, and business opportunities within health systems and community organizations. Mary oversees marketing, sales, consumer education, corporate branding, and communication strategies to drive awareness of and admission in Transitions LifeCare’s various services and programs. She also is currently serving on the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging and the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board.
A Raleigh native now living in Hillsborough, Mary shares her home with her rescue dogs and a steady rotation of senior and hospice foster pups. She is the founder of Longleaf Animal Rescue, which partners closely with Transitions LifeCare to support vulnerable animals and the families who love them. Mary also volunteers in the community with her therapy dog, Waylon; together, as a certified Alliance of Therapy Dogs team, they visit patients and staff at UNC Hillsborough Hospital.
Tonya Faulkner
Tonya Faulkner, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CHPN, PCCN
Vice President of Clinical Services
Tonya joined Transitions LifeCare in 2024 as Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services and was promoted to Vice President of Clinical Services in June 2026. She brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, with a 22-year career in acute care marked by progressive clinical and leadership roles.
Throughout her career, Tonya has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring an exceptional patient and family experience. She has extensive experience in process improvement and is passionate about building and sustaining positive work environments. Tonya is also deeply committed to staff development, fostering growth and engagement across clinical teams.
Tonya earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Leadership from East Carolina University. She is a Nurse Executive Board Certified leader, a Progressive Care Certified Nurse, and is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Tonya enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, Lauren, Bailey, and Wyatt.
Kate Griffith
Kate Griffith, MSN, RN
Associate Vice President of Care Navigation and Family Support Services
Kate oversees access to hospice care to ensure patients and families are met with compassion, clarity, and support. A member of the Transitions LifeCare team since 2011, Kate started as an admission nurse and advanced through progressive leadership roles. She has experience implementing process and communication improvements to build high-performing teams and strengthen workflows.
Before stepping into hospice care, Kate served clinical, academic, and research roles across hospital, home care, and university settings, shaping a broad perspective on caring for people with complex needs. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester. She is passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and cared for with dignity and respect.
Steve Shelton
Steve Shelton, CPA, MBA, CHFP
Chief Financial Officer
Steve joined Transitions LifeCare in May 2022. He is responsible for finance, revenue cycles, facilities, and IT. Steve has worked in healthcare for more than 13 years and prior to that, nine years in public accounting.
Steve graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and then received his MBA from Elon University. He is a certified public accountant licensed in North Carolina. In addition, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Melissa Short
Melissa Short, MBA, SPHR
Vice President of Human Resources
Melissa Short leads Transitions LifeCare’s talent strategy efforts. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Melissa first came to North Carolina to attend North Carolina State University where she graduated cum laude in political science. She later continued her education at East Carolina University where she obtained her Master’s degree in business administration. Melissa has spent the bulk of her career in the for-profit healthcare sector but also has direct experience with non-profit and pharmaceutical organizations. She holds a senior-level certification from the HR Certification Institute®, is a board member of the Capital Area Workforce Development Board, and is an active member of the Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance. As an experienced professional, her passion is helping organizations become an excellent place to work.
Chileatha Wynn, President
Director of Clinical Information
North Carolina A&T State University
John Gibson, Vice President
Attorney
Smith Anderson
David Boone, Treasurer
CFO, Retired
Catawba Valley Health
Maureen Baker, Secretary
Clinical Associate Professor
UNC School of Nursing
Peter Burroughs, Board of Trustees Chair
Chief Accounting Officer
Silver Bow Mining Corp.
Jerry Bernstein, MD
Partner/Physician, retired
Raleigh Pediatric Associates
Alyson Connor
Healthcare Marketing Consultant
Billy Dunlap, MD
Founder, Hospice of Wake County
Physician, retired
Brenda Gibson
Community Leader
Tracy Baker
Healthcare Executive, retired
Laura Harmon
UNC REX Healthcare, retired
Director of Quality Programs & Medical Staff Services
Charles Harr, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Officer, Raleigh Campus
WakeMed
Carnela Hill
Business Owner and Faith Leader
CR Hill Design Group & Be Restored Church
Jay Irby
Triangle Area Executive
First Citizens Bank
Burke Koonce
Investment Strategist, Principal
Trust Company of the South
Amanda Lloyd
Chief People Officer
North State Bank
Susan Moore, MD
Physician
Holly Richard
CEO, retired
Tammy Lynn Center
Sherriff Willie Rowe
Wake County Sheriff’s Office
Bobby Simpson
Duke Progress Energy, Retired
Pam Stocks
Community Volunteer
Adam Wolk, MD
CEO
Transitions LifeCare
Peter Burroughs, Chair
Chief Accounting Officer
Silver Bow Mining Corp.
David Boone, Treasurer
CFO, retired
Catawba Valley Health
Wayne Adams
Chief Risk Officer, retired
North State Bank
L. Sloan Baker
Community Leader
Rob Christner
Chief Administrative Officer
Curi
Polly Hardie
Trustee
The Yeargan Foundation
Jamal Jones
Lead Director – Strategy
Aetna – NC State Health Plan
Adam Wolk, MD
CEO
Transitions LifeCare
Charles Kabugo-Musoke
Partner
Smith Anderson
Corey Ruble
VP, Internal Audit
Martin Marietta
Steve Shelton
Chief Financial Officer
Transitions LifeCare
David Wolf
Community Volunteer
Our Commitment
Access, respect, and care
Our mission is to care for individuals and families with compassion, expertise, and support as they navigate serious illness and end-of-life experiences.
Fulfilling our mission requires us to understand and respect the unique backgrounds, needs, values, and life experiences of every person we serve. Compassionate care begins with a culture of kindness, understanding, and respect.
We are committed to providing high-quality, person-centered care in an environment where every patient, family member, employee, volunteer, and community partner is treated with dignity and respect.
We believe that:
- Compassionate care begins with a culture of kindness, understanding, and respect. When our employees and volunteers feel respected, valued, and supported, they are better able to provide the exceptional care and service our patients and families deserve.
- Respecting different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and traditions helps us provide more compassionate and effective care.
- Listening, learning, and seeking to understand the strengthens and relationships of others helps us better meet the needs of patients and families.
- Reducing barriers to care expands access to essential services, support, and resources.
- A workplace where people feel valued and respected enables team members to provide the highest quality care.
- Treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect reflects our core values and strengthens our ability to serve the community.
By living these principles throughout our organization, we advance our vision of providing the best possible experience for individuals and families facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges.
This commitment reflects our core values of compassion, respect, teamwork, and commitment, and helps ensure that every person we serve receives care that honors their unique goals, preferences, and needs.
Recognition & Awards
We’re honored to be recognized for the compassionate care, support, and service we provide to our community.
Five-Stars. One Mission.
Medicare’s highest five-star quality rating for hospice care
Raleigh's BEST — Hospice 2021–2025
News & Observer readers’ choice, 5 years running
Hospice Honors Elite
HealthcareFirst national recognition
“Best Places to Work” in the Triangle
Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” in the Triangle
Transitions LifeCare Resources
Recent Transitions News
Transitions LifeCare Surpasses $1 Million Yeargan Foundation Challenge to Support Transitions Kids Program
Transitions LifeCare Surpasses $1 Million Yeargan Foundation Challenge to Support Transitions Kids Program
Searstone/Lutheran Services Carolinas award $656,100 to Wake-area nonprofits
Searstone/Lutheran Services Carolinas award $656,100 to Wake-area nonprofits
The Yeargan Foundation Announces $1,000,000 Gift and Matching Challenge
The Yeargan Foundation Announces $1,000,000 Gift and Matching Challenge
Transitions LifeCare Featured on “Community Matters”
Transitions LifeCare Featured on “Community Matters”
Transitions LifeCare Proudly Presents “An Act of Love”
Transitions LifeCare Proudly Presents “An Act of Love”
Double Your Impact!
Double Your Impact!
Transitions LifeCare Receives $2.5 Million Gift to Support Transitions Kids Program